Stories from the Lucciola table: Italian fine dining, wine culture, tasting experiences, private dining, and the people who shape our restaurant on the Upper West Side.
Lucciola Blog
Stories from the Lucciola Table
This is where we collect the ideas, dinners, wines, ingredients, and moments that define Lucciola. Some stories begin in the kitchen, others at the table, others in the cellar. Together, they reflect our way of thinking about Italian fine dining in New York City: with time, coherence, and intention.
All | Restaurant | By Chef MCM | Italian Food Culture | Wine | Wine Dinners | Events | Press & Awards
Private Dining in New York: Why Italian Food Turns a Gathering Into a Gift
In December 2025, Italy became the first country in history to have its entire cuisine recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. At Lucciola NYC, that tradition shapes every private dining experience — eighteen seats, one table, and recipes that belong to a heritage now formally worth protecting. From graduation dinners to intimate celebrations, this is Italian food as it was meant to be shared.
A Graduation Dinner at Lucciola NYC Feels Like a Private Party
Eighteen seats. A tasting menu by Chef Michele Casadei Massari. Lucciola on the Upper West Side is the graduation dinner in NYC that feels like a private party — intimate Italian dining for the people who made the degree possible.
J. Hofstätter Wine Dinner at Lucciola NYC | Exclusive Alto Adige Wine Pairing Experience
The Dolomites in your glass: an exclusive Alto Adige wine dinner at Lucciola NYC. A vineyard owned for five generations. J. Hofstätter meets Lucciola NYC in an intimate Alto Adige wine pairing dinner in New York City, limited to 12 guests.
Treasure Your Mistakes: What Chef Michele Casadei Massari Learns Every Spring
How does an award-winning Italian chef choose where to eat in New York City? Chef Michele Casadei Massari of Lucciola NYC reveals his three criteria: ingredients, technical execution, and value — and the surprising role that past mistakes play in recognizing greatness.
25-Year-Old White Wine Dinner in NYC
At our latest Lucciola Wine Club dinner in NYC, we devoted the evening to aged white wines with Cantina Terlano — including a nearly 20-year-old Pinot Bianco that redefined what white wine can become.
An intimate setting, a full vertical lineup, and a menu built to move in step with the wines — this is what Wine Club is for.
Wine Glasses - What are our your choices?
Alberto Ghezzi, Wine Director of Lucciola Fine Dining
"When people ask me, 'In what glass do you like to drink wine?' I always say, 'It depends on the moment.' Wine isn't just a drink—it's an experience, and the right glass enhances that experience. Whether hosting a dinner party with friends or opening a rare vintage for a special occasion, the choice of glass matters. It can highlight the wine’s nuances and deepen the connection with the people you’re sharing it with. At Lucciola, we curate each detail with this philosophy, making every sip memorable."
Exciting New Wine Club Dinner Season at Lucciola
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Wine Club Dinner season at Lucciola, beginning on September 5, 2024. This season promises an exploration of both young, innovative wineries and legendary estates, offering our guests a truly unique and enriching experience. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this series of dinners is designed to captivate your palate and expand your appreciation for the art of winemaking.
Explore Lucciola's Award-Winning Wines List
Fine dining isn't just about exceptional food but crafting an unforgettable experience. Lucciola, a haven for gourmands, received the prestigious 2023 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence. This recognition places us amongst the global elite, showcasing an extraordinary dedication to the art of wine.